The holidays are all about joy, warmth, and, of course, delicious treats! But who says you need to spend hours slaving over a hot oven to create something spectacular? Enter our No-Bake Holiday Chocolate Marshmallow Bars – the ultimate easy festive dessert that brings all the cheer with none of the fuss.
These bars feature a buttery, crisp graham cracker crust, topped with a rich, velvety chocolate layer studded with gooey mini marshmallows. They're quick to prepare, require no baking, and are guaranteed to be a hit with both kids and adults. Perfect for holiday parties, potlucks, or a cozy night in by the fireplace, these bars will become your new go-to recipe for effortless holiday magic.
Why You'll Love These No-Bake Holiday Bars
If you're looking for a dessert that delivers on taste, ease, and festive appeal, these chocolate marshmallow bars tick all the boxes:
- No Oven Required: Free up your oven for other holiday dishes! This recipe is entirely no-bake, relying on chilling to set.
- Quick & Easy: With minimal prep time and simple steps, you can have these bars ready for the refrigerator in under 20 minutes.
- Crowd-Pleaser: The combination of chocolate, marshmallows, and a crunchy crust is universally loved, making these bars perfect for any gathering.
- Festive & Fun: Easy to customize with holiday sprinkles, they add a touch of cheer to your dessert spread.
Ingredients You'll Need
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to holiday deliciousness! You'll need just a few simple items for both the buttery graham cracker crust and the irresistible chocolate marshmallow topping. All measurements and specific details can be found in the comprehensive recipe card below.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Bars
Creating these no-bake bars is incredibly straightforward. Just follow these simple steps for a perfect batch:
First, prepare your pan and press down the graham cracker crust. Then, melt your chocolate mixture on the stovetop, fold in the marshmallows, and spread it over the crust. A little chilling time is all it takes to transform these simple ingredients into a show-stopping holiday dessert. Find the full, detailed instructions in the recipe card.
Pro Tips for Success
- Press the Crust Firmly: Ensure your graham cracker crust is tightly packed for a stable base that won't crumble when cut.
- Low Heat for Chocolate: When melting the chocolate mixture, keep the heat low and stir constantly to prevent scorching.
- Chill Thoroughly: Patience is key! Allow the bars to chill for at least 2 hours, or until completely firm, for clean slices.
- Use Parchment Paper: Lining your pan with parchment paper with an overhang makes lifting the set bars out incredibly easy.
Variations & Customization Ideas
These No-Bake Holiday Chocolate Marshmallow Bars are fantastic as is, but don't hesitate to get creative with additions and variations:
- Different Chocolates: Experiment with dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or even white chocolate chips in the topping. You can also drizzle melted white chocolate over the finished bars for extra flair. Learn more about different types of chocolate and their uses on Hershey's official website for exploring other holiday treats.
- Nutty Crunch: Fold in chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds into the marshmallow mixture for added texture.
- Peppermint Twist: Crush candy canes and sprinkle them over the top for a festive peppermint flavor and crunch.
- Coconut Bliss: Add shredded coconut to the graham cracker crust or sprinkle it over the chocolate topping.
- Extra Flavor: A dash of almond extract or orange zest in the chocolate mixture can add an unexpected and delightful twist.
Serving Suggestions
These No-Bake Holiday Chocolate Marshmallow Bars are versatile and can be served in many delightful ways:
- Cut into squares and arrange on a festive platter for holiday parties.
- Serve alongside a warm mug of hot cocoa or coffee for a cozy treat.
- Pack them up in decorative boxes as edible gifts for friends and family.
- Enjoy them as a sweet ending to any holiday meal.
Get Ready for Holiday Cheer!
These No-Bake Holiday Chocolate Marshmallow Bars are more than just a dessert; they're a celebration of effortless joy during the busiest time of the year. Simple to make, wonderfully delicious, and incredibly adaptable, they are sure to become a beloved staple in your holiday repertoire. So go ahead, whip up a batch, and let the festive flavors bring a smile to everyone's face!
FAQs
How do I store No-Bake Holiday Chocolate Marshmallow Bars?
These bars are best stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 1 month, wrapped tightly.
Can I use different types of chocolate chips?
Absolutely! While semi-sweet is classic, you can experiment with milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate chips to suit your taste preferences. Adjust sweetness as needed.
What can I use if I don't have graham cracker crumbs?
If graham cracker crumbs aren't available, you can substitute them with crushed digestive biscuits, vanilla wafers, or even shortbread cookies for a delicious alternative crust.
Can I make these bars ahead of time for a party?
Yes, these no-bake bars are an excellent make-ahead dessert! You can prepare them 1-2 days in advance and keep them chilled in the refrigerator until you're ready to serve, making holiday entertaining a breeze.
No-Bake Holiday Chocolate Marshmallow Bars
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in festive cheer with these incredibly easy no-bake bars featuring a buttery graham cracker crust topped with gooey marshmallows and rich chocolate.
Ingredients
2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 cups mini marshmallows
Optional: Holiday sprinkles, for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides to easily lift out the bars later.
Step 2: In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and 1/2 cup melted butter until well mixed. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust. Refrigerate while preparing the topping.
Step 3: In a saucepan over low heat, combine the sweetened condensed milk, chocolate chips, and 1 tablespoon butter. Stir constantly until the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture is smooth. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 4: Gently fold in the mini marshmallows until they are evenly coated with the chocolate mixture.
Step 5: Spread the chocolate marshmallow topping evenly over the graham cracker crust in the pan. If desired, sprinkle with holiday sprinkles.
Step 6: Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until firm. Once chilled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan and cut into squares.
Notes
For a twist, try adding a layer of peanut butter to the base before adding the chocolate topping, or sprinkle with chopped nuts for extra crunch. Ensure marshmallows are fresh for optimal chewiness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes (active cooking) + 2 hours (chilling)
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake, Chilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Leave a Reply